Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Green Revolution, initiated in the 1960s by agricultural scientist Norman Borlaug, marked a pivotal moment in global food security. In India, it was primarily implemented during the late 1960s and 1970s, aiming to address widespread famine and increase food grain production. This involved the introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice, coupled with increased use of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. While initially successful in achieving self-sufficiency in food grains, the long-term sustainability of this strategy is increasingly questioned, prompting a critical examination of its environmental and socio-economic consequences. This answer will critically assess the Green Revolution as a strategy for sustainable agricultural development.
The Genesis and Initial Impact of the Green Revolution
The Green Revolution in India was a package program launched by the government in 1966. Key components included:
- HYV Seeds: Introduction of high-yielding varieties of wheat (like ‘Sonora 64’ and ‘PB-11’) and rice (like ‘IR-8’).
- Irrigation: Expansion of irrigation infrastructure through canals, dams, and tubewells.
- Fertilizers: Increased use of chemical fertilizers, particularly nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers.
- Pesticides & Herbicides: Application of chemical pesticides and herbicides to protect crops.
- Credit & Subsidies: Provision of credit facilities and subsidies to farmers for adopting new technologies.
The immediate impact was a dramatic increase in food grain production. Wheat production increased from 11 million tonnes in 1960-61 to 20.6 million tonnes in 1970-71, and rice production rose from 30.5 million tonnes to 53.2 million tonnes during the same period. This helped India avert famine and achieve self-sufficiency in food grains.
Environmental Consequences: A Critical Assessment
Despite its initial success, the Green Revolution had significant negative environmental consequences:
- Water Depletion: Excessive groundwater extraction for irrigation led to a rapid decline in water tables, particularly in states like Punjab and Haryana.
- Soil Degradation: Intensive farming practices and overuse of chemical fertilizers resulted in soil erosion, loss of soil fertility, and salinization.
- Pesticide Residues: Widespread use of pesticides led to pesticide residues in food grains, water bodies, and soil, posing health risks to humans and animals.
- Loss of Biodiversity: The focus on monoculture (growing a single crop) led to a decline in crop diversity and the loss of traditional crop varieties.
- Climate Change: Increased use of fertilizers contributed to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.
Socio-Economic Impacts: Uneven Benefits and Growing Inequality
The benefits of the Green Revolution were not evenly distributed.
- Regional Disparities: The Green Revolution was largely concentrated in the fertile plains of Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, leaving other regions behind.
- Economic Inequality: Large landowners benefited more from the new technologies than small and marginal farmers, leading to increased economic inequality.
- Debt Trap: Small farmers often fell into debt traps due to the high cost of inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, seeds).
- Health Impacts: Exposure to pesticides and fertilizers led to health problems among farmers and agricultural laborers.
Sustainability Concerns and the Need for a Paradigm Shift
The Green Revolution, in its original form, is not a sustainable strategy for agricultural development. Its reliance on external inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, water) and monoculture practices has created a fragile agricultural system vulnerable to environmental degradation and economic shocks. The concept of sustainability requires balancing economic productivity with environmental protection and social equity.
Several alternative approaches are needed to move towards sustainable agriculture:
- Promoting Organic Farming: Reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides through organic farming practices.
- Water Conservation: Implementing water-efficient irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation.
- Crop Diversification: Encouraging crop diversification to improve soil health and reduce pest infestations.
- Agroforestry: Integrating trees into agricultural landscapes to enhance biodiversity and soil fertility.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Developing crop varieties that are resistant to climate change impacts like drought and floods.
| Feature | Green Revolution | Sustainable Agriculture |
|---|---|---|
| Input Reliance | High (Chemical fertilizers, pesticides) | Low (Organic inputs, bio-pesticides) |
| Biodiversity | Low (Monoculture) | High (Crop diversification, agroforestry) |
| Environmental Impact | High (Water depletion, soil degradation) | Low (Water conservation, soil health improvement) |
| Long-term Resilience | Low (Vulnerable to shocks) | High (Climate-resilient, adaptable) |
Conclusion
The Green Revolution was undoubtedly a crucial intervention in addressing India’s food security concerns. However, its long-term sustainability is questionable due to its significant environmental and socio-economic costs. A paradigm shift towards sustainable agricultural practices is essential, focusing on ecological principles, resource conservation, and social equity. Investing in research and development of climate-resilient crops, promoting organic farming, and empowering small farmers are crucial steps towards building a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system for the future. The focus should be on ‘Evergreen Revolution’ as envisioned by MS Swaminathan, which emphasizes ecological sustainability and economic viability.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.